Best Golf Drivers 2022

Best Golf Drivers

When it comes to drivers, brands have showed no sign of slowing down their innovation. So perhaps a new big stick could be just what you need to get your season off to a flier.

Whether you’re a fast swinger looking for workability or a beginner searching for as much help as possible, today’s drivers offer a new level of playability that should help you find a few more fairways. To give you an idea as to what might work best for you, we tested the entire 2022 class of drivers as well as all the models that have been carried over from 2021. We've personally tested all the drivers you'll read about in this guide on launch monitors and on the driving range using Titleist Pro V1x balls. Our best drivers 2022 video below offers a full insight into what you can expect across the board including our launch monitor data comparing the performance on offer.

Of course, investing in a new driver is one of the most expensive products a golfer can buy, and we've discussed at length whether you should buy a new driver in 2022 and analyzed the pros and cons of investing in the latest models. But if you are wanting a new model, or just want to learn about the most up to date models, then have a read of our selections below. 

Additionally if you're looking for a specific type of performance, take a deeper dive with some of our other guides on the most forgiving drivers, best golf drivers for distance, or the best high handicap drivers.

Best Golf Drivers

Launched right at the start of 2022 to replace the Radspeed range of the clubs, the LTDx range from Cobra features three heads: the standard LTDx we've featured here as well as the LTDx Max and LTDx LS, both draw bias and lower spinning models respectively. 

We've highlighted the standard head here in our best golf drivers guide as it will likely suit the broadest range of golfers. The aesthetics have become more refined - this year’s LTDx features a very similar-looking matte-black carbon crown to last year’s Radspeed.

The LTDx has a much lower pitched, quieter impact sound than the Radspeed. For us, it was significantly better - creating a satisfying ‘crack’ through impact that felt very powerful. As tends to be the case with Cobra drivers, the RRP is a decent chunk lower than the competitors from TaylorMade and Callaway, all with very little difference in performance between the three brands. 

• Read our full Cobra LTDx driver review

The Rogue ST family replaced the outgoing Mavrik range and it comes in four different heads: Rogue ST Max, Rogue ST Max D (draw bias), Rogue ST LS (low spin) and Rogue ST Triple Diamond LS. 

We're highlighting the Rogue ST Max head here as this is the option we think will suit the broadest range of golfers. Down at address, the Rogue ST Max has a new matte crown which we really liked, although we didn’t care much for the clock-style graphics at the rear. The face looks flatter and is lighter in color, making it more visible and therefore easier to align. 

During the testing, we noticed a quieter, more dense ‘thud’ sound of the Rogue ST Max versus the Epic Max and we really liked this change. Observing the ball flight, the Rogue ST Max also had a far more neutral trajectory. We also enjoyed the distance and dispersion on offer from this driver.

• Read our full Callaway Rogue ST Max driver review

Over the last six years, the Titleist driver designers have been on something of a journey. Following the original TS model, we then saw the TSi driver and now we are graced with the TSR, which promises further refinements through, among other technologies, better aerodynamics and a new multi-plateau variable thickness face design. 

Aesthetically, we see the traditional shape that you find in most Titleist drivers, with the new model slightly shorter from front to back and the toe area being a little more rounded. If anything, the TSR2 appears a fraction more compact at address, but there's no denying it looks superb.

Featuring a powerful feel off the tee, the work that Titleist has done, both on the aerodynamics and on the design of the face, has boosted the speed on offer. Along with the added speed, it's the consistency where it shines as, in testing, the all round playability of the head was incredible and helped favor off-centre strikes. 

• Read our full Titleist TSR2 Driver Review

Over the last few years, golfers have become used to seeing TaylorMade introduce new driver technologies in a bid to unlock more distance off the tee. For 2022, this promise comes in the shape of an all new carbon fibre face. To highlight this new technology, the face of the Stealth driver is red which may divide opinion, but we like it.

Don't be concerned about the new carbon face sounding or feeling dull. Impressively, the engineers at TaylorMade have managed to create the Stealth with a powerful feel and good sound at the point of contact. During our testing, we managed to deliver an extra three miles per hour in clubhead speed with the Stealth compared to the SIM2. As you’d expect, this (along with a reduction in spin versus the original SIM) translated into more distance. 

This is the standard model in the Stealth range, but there is also the draw bias Stealth HD or low spinning Stealth Plus to choose from - so if you're after the best drivers for slicers or best drivers for distance, check those models out. We think the standard head will suit the broadest range of golfers which is why we picked it in this guide.

• Read our full TaylorMade Stealth Driver review 

To achieve the new performance levels in the G425 Max, Ping implemented a new 26-gram tungsten movable weight called a CG Shifter, which is made possible by weight savings from advancements in the driver’s dragonfly crown design.The weight can be secured in one of three settings – neutral, draw or fade – to influence forgiveness and shot shape. The average MOI increase is 14 per cent across the three weight positions compared to the G410 Plus.

Indeed when comparing to the older model, down at address, the G425 Max certainly has a more rounded profile than the G410 Plus, which to some people will look more user friendly.That isn't to say performance has gone down though, because the Max still feels just as powerful and has the same sound we loved in the G410.

Overall, in our testing we think the Max, along with the other models with the G425 name, is a range of drivers that will work for every player type to maintain distance while finding more fairways.

• Read our full Ping G425 Max driver review

Despite PXG's notoriously premium prices when it comes to its product line, the 0211 2022 driver seems to buck that trend, making it one of the best budget drivers on the market right now. There are countless shaft options in five different flexes as well as three stock loft options for both right and left handers. However, just because this driver has a cut price, doesn't mean you lose out on any performance. 

The original PXG 0211 driver was particularly impressive but, with the 0211 2022, it's gotten even better, with the aesthetics more refined in the newer model. Along with the looks, the performance rivals that of models that are $300 more expensive, with the PXG providing superb ball speed, distance and accuracy. 

• Read our full PXG 0211 2022 Driver Review

Like the TSR2 mentioned, the TSR3 features the classic-shaped head at address, with the main aim of the driver being to make it faster through the air. Titleist have done this by installing a smoother sole, smaller hosel opening and a taller back section, which is actually more noticeable on the TSR2. 

However, looks wise, it is certainly slick and almost Tesla-inspired with how the weight track and silver strip form a T-shape on the sole. What's more, the five-position SureFit CG track has been neatened up so the weight sits more flush in the extreme positions and a new Variable Thickness Face (VFT) pattern, which Titleist is calling Speed Ring, is tailored towards slightly better players that strike the ball within a more centered area on the face. 

In testing, the numbers were extremely consistent, with the TSR3 minimizing drop offs in speed even from off-centre strikes. However, it's the playability that is the most impressive aspect, as it is the easiest driver to manipulate the flight of. Arguably, it's one of the best drivers for slicers.

• Read our full Titleist TSR3 Driver Review

The line of Epic 21 drivers feature the next generation of Jailbreak called Speed Frame, designed using Artificial Intelligence to form a completely new shape, connecting with the head at four different points top and bottom to provide extra rigidity in the horizontal direction. 

The result, Callaway say, is a five per cent increase in efficiency and when combined with a lighter triaxial carbon crown and enhanced face design unique to every loft, should increase ball speed and forgiveness as well as spin consistency. There are three models to choose from. The Epic Speed is the fastest as it has the same cyclone shape as 2020's Mavrik driver where the tail of the driver lifts up to improve airflow over the head during the swing to increase clubhead speed for the same amount of effort.

The slimline look of Epic Speed may be intimidating for some, but it is easy to align and undoubtedly strikes an ideal balance of catching your eye without looking cheap or gimmicky. In our testing we thought this Speed, as well as the two other models, felt fantastic - very powerful, solid and stable, whilst the higher pitched sound of the Speed wasn't off-putting.

• Read our full Callaway Epic Speed Driver Review

The “C” in Tour Edge Exotics C722 driver name stands for a compact 445cc clubhead – which nicely complements the deep face with minimal offset. This is aimed at better players looking for one of the best golf drivers of 2022 but without paying the premium price of some other top brands.

Like its sibling Tour Edge Exotics E722 driver model, this sports a thin “Ridgeback” spine acting as a brace that runs from the clubface center through the crown and connecting with a new sole plate rail, that produces a powerful impact sound. An adjustable hosel allows you to alter the base 9.5- and 10.5-degree lofts by +/- 2 degrees, and lie angle through a range of 3 degrees. And the shaft is scientifically paired for every flex.

• Read our full Tour Edge Exotics C722 driver review

Srixon's ZX7 driver feature a 15 per cent larger carbon crown the previous generation to reposition mass low, deep and around the perimeter, increasing forgiveness. Rebound Frame Technology works by layering alternating zones of flexibility and stiffness that work in tandem to focus more energy into the ball at impact for more distance.

The ZX7 driver delivers a slightly more penetrating ball flight than the ZX5 and adjustability comprising of 4g and 8g sole weights to give any player their desired launch conditions or alter swing weight.It wasn't just the looks which impressed us - it combined good speed with the ability to control accuracy in a multitude of ways. The smaller more rounded profile of the ZX7 will suit the eye of the slightly lower handicapper it has been designed for.

• Read our full Srixon ZX7 driver review

The best Titleist drivers are often complete packages and the TSi3 continues that trend. It features a more compact, pear-shaped profile and a new SureFit CG Track positioned around the rear skirt, allowing players to alter their shot shape and launch characteristics.

Comparing it to the outgoing TS3, we prefer the more rounded toe and the quieter thud it produces. We believe many golfers will also prefer how the sole weight setting is now visible.

With the multitude of settings and shafts available, some of which made it into our best driver shafts guide, a custom fitting is a must to get the most out of this driver. Overall, with its more varied adjustability and extra forgiveness on offer, the TSi3 will appeal to a range of golfers, not just the better player.

• Read our full Titleist TSi3 Driver Review

This Wilson Launch Pad 2022 driver is designed to be an all-out game-improvement offering, and it has been developed much further compared to the previous generation.

The first point to mention is the face design. Through research Wilson says that average handicap players hit 68% of their shots out of the toe half of the face. So in the new Launch Pad they’ve introduced their PKR face geometry that actually makes the striking area 5% bigger than the previous Launch Pad.

Firstly the lie angle is two degrees upright to help golfers square up the face at impact. The face itself also sits quite closed and you can definitely see that as soon as you set it down behind the ball. There is also some heel side weighting within the head to help promote more of a draw shape. 

Aimed at mid handicap golfers and higher, the Launcher XL benefits from a larger driver head and an incredibly confidence inspiring look at address. The length of the head from front to back has increased by 6% and the contrasting crown and face finishes mean you can see all of the loft from address. Performance wise, the Launcher XL gave solid carry distance on an easy swing. For the wide range of players this driver is aimed at, the spin rates created with this driver will help keep the ball in the air and provide good carry distance.

Coming in with an RRP that sits well below the offerings from brands like Callaway or TaylorMade, it still has plenty of performance and also competition from the likes of Cobra with its LTDx range of drivers. 

• Read our full Cleveland Launcher XL driver review

Replacing the ST220G driver from 2020 is the new ST-Z 220 driver from Mizuno. Alongside the ST-Z 220, Mizuno has released the ST-X 220, a draw bias model for those struggling with a slice off the tee. The Z is a lower spinning model that should blend power and forgiveness and as such is aimed at the largest cross section of golfers. 

During our testing we found the ball speed is up there with the likes of Callaway, TaylorMade, Ping and Titleist. With a good fitting we think this driver should help most golfers find some extra yardage. The other thing that struck us as we hit the ST-Z 220 was how easy it was to get in the air. It isn’t as low spinning as we were expecting or as some other, similar drivers on the market. All in all during our testing, we really enjoyed hitting this Mizuno driver. In all the key categories - from looks to forgiveness - it performs well. 

• Read our full Mizuno ST-Z 220 driver review

How we test for the best golf drivers

When it comes to product testing (opens in new tab), our reviews and buyers' guides are built upon a rigorous testing procedure as well as the knowledge and experience of the test team. Headed up by technical editor Joel Tadman, and assisted by Neil Tappin, both have been testing golf clubs for years and both play to a handicap of 5. Both are also able to efficiently test the vast majority of the biggest product releases and convey the pros and cons eloquently.

Getting into specifics for drivers, we first attend product launches and speak to manufacturer's to understand the technology. We then hit the golf clubs indoors, usually at Foresight Sports and test the products with premium golf balls on a launch monitor.

Outdoor testing is the next port of call and this usually takes place at West Hill Golf Club, a course in Surrey with top-notch practice facilities. Ultimately, we aim to be as insightful and honest as possible in our reviews so it is important to acknowledge that no manufacturer can buy a good review. This is because our team tells it how it is. We want to try and find the best golf clubs (opens in new tab) on the market and give you some insight on them, which requires being thorough and transparent. 

What to consider when buying a new golf driver

You've probably already asked yourself whether you need to buy a new driver in 2022, but there's a few key things to consider when investing in a new driver. Hopefully answering these questions will narrow your search down slightly and make comparing between various models much easier. 

When purchasing a new big stick, it is crucial to ask yourself just what you need from it. Is distance your main priority or are you looking for something to help you find more fairways? We'd always recommend a custom fitting with a PGA Pro but if you know what you're looking for you can make an informed decision. 

If accuracy is what you're after, go for something with a high MOI or adjustable weights to help alter spin and flight characteristics. If distance is key to you, look at a low-spinning driver to help ensure your ball doesn't balloon too much. If you're after something in the middle, the so-called 'standard' heads in most driver ranges will suit you the best. 

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